Iran recently unveiled an underground missile storage facility and announced the production of new special missiles, as reported by Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) affiliated Tasnim news. The facility was showcased in a video released on Iranian state TV IRIB, featuring IRGC Commander Major General Hossein Salami and Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh touring the site. Hajizadeh described the location as a 'dormant volcano.'
According to semi-official Iranian media outlets, part of Iran's operations against Israel in October and April were conducted from this underground missile base. Salami, at an event in Iran's southwestern city of Abadan, also revealed that the IRGC Aerospace Force is working on developing new special missiles.
General Ali Mohammad Naeini announced that Iran will be conducting new drills and war games this month, showcasing 'missile and drone cities,' including an underground missile storage facility and a vessel accommodation site in southern Iran. Additionally, Iranian Basij forces held a large-scale exercise involving 110,000 members in Tehran, with the Iranian Armed Forces conducting several war games in recent days.
Iran's actions are seen as a demonstration of power in the region, particularly in light of recent attacks on Iranian-backed forces in Lebanon, Gaza, and Yemen, as well as the fall of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad's regime, an ally of Iran. Salami emphasized that Iran's deterrence strategy is not based on the actions of other countries.
In response to earlier strikes by Iran on Israel, Israel claimed to have targeted Iranian missile manufacturing sites and aerial defense systems inside Iran in October. Iran's foreign ministry condemned Israel's actions as a violation of international law, asserting its right to self-defense.
With the impending inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, who previously implemented a 'maximum pressure' campaign on Iran, US officials are optimistic about negotiations for an Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal before Trump assumes office on January 20.
